Memorandum for the Record

( - February 8, 1960 MEMORANDUN FOR THE RECORD: In the meeting of the President and his Board of Consultants on Foreign Intelligence Activities on February 2, there was discussion of the question of overflights. The group had proposed that this source of intelligence be utilized to the maximum degree possible. The President commented that this is one of the most "soul-searching" questions to come before a President. General Hull said he recognized the difficulty but pointed out that, for example, we had saved our- selves a lot of money through the knowledge that the Bison air- craft was not being produced in the quantities originally esti- mated. He added that a recent flight disclosed military deployments and dispositions that gave no sign of a slackening off in Soviet military power, as might have been suggested by the "spirit of Camp David. 'r T he President stated that he knew of no "spirit of Camp Cavid. 11 What was accomplished was frank and respectful discussion of important issues, and a mutual recognition of the overriding importance of avoiding general war. He added that every bit of information he has seen corroborates what Khrushchev told him at Camp David -- for example regarding the Soviet cut- back in surface ships, aircraft, atomic power production, etc. Khrushchev added that he was not too much interested in short- range missiles. The President said he recognizes that intelligence has value, but in today's circumstances the ICBM is taking on central importance. If the Soviets concentrate on big missiles they have only one mode of action to attempt a knock-out blow, and to receive such a blow in return. General Hull mentionedthat there are a great many unknowns in the equation of Soviet military strength and preparation. The President said that he has one tremendous asset in a summit meeting, as regards effect in the free world. That is his reputa- tion for honesty. If one of these aircraft were lost when we are engaged in apparently sincere deliberations, it could be put on DECLASSIFIED TOD E.Q. 12958, SEC. 3.6(b) MR9433444 BY BBM DATE 8/17/99